A simplified system of equations for simulation of tropical cyclones

Abstract

The model is similar to that presented by Ooyama. The model equations are solved using a spectral method where the basis functions are the normal modes of the linearized equations. Numerical simulations show that the model sensitivity to vertical stability, sea surface temperature and midlevel moisture are similar to results from more general modes. The sensitivity to these factors can be explained qualitatively by consideration of the vertical stability factor used in the cumulus parameterization. The model is also initialized with climatological values of sea surface temperature as a function of latitude appropriate for the Western Pacific. Despite its simplicity, the model can reproduce the observed variations of storm size and intensity with latitude. -from Authors